[Morphology of pneumoconiosis induced by natural zeolite].

Pneumoconiosis was induced in white rats through intratracheal administration of natural zeolite. It was characterized by intensive phagocytosis of the specks of dust, moderate cytotoxic action on the macrophages, as well as inflammatory processes in the vascular system and alveolar epithelium. Zeolite induced fibrosis did not develop to the extent as in case with quartz induced massive collagen formation.